Liverpool, UK : sup david, i'm sure you watched the laker-wiz
game. the way kobe dished out 15 assists and lead his team to a W really
shows how much he's grown, and i think he's the real leader of this
team, not shaq. i hate comparing anyone to mj as much as you, and there
will never be another mj, but i think kobe is going to be another kind of
idol kids look up to. just like there was bird and magic, and mj was something
different, just as spectacular. your thoughts? i also heard kobe is comtemplating
about the contract extension, maybe cause he doesn't want to be under
shaq's shadow? how possible would it be if he went to nj alongside kidd,
or orlando with t-mac, and take the title over shaq. your thoughts? -Fung

David DuPree: Sup Fung
Thanks for being such a loyal follower. I appreciate it. I agree 100% on
your assessment of Kobe: I honestly feel that if he were to leave the Lakers
whenhis contract is up, whichever team he goes to will be the favorite to
win the title. People always say he has Shaq and wouldn't win without him.
Well, take a close look at that team and tell me if they could win without
Kobe. I'm a big Shaq fan and I think that the two of them together is as
good as it gets. Right now I think Kobe is the best player in the NBA.Milw, WI : What is your take on the Pacer-Bulls trade. I think the
Pacer's are crazy!!

David DuPree: I hate to disagree, but I think the Pacers got the
best of the deal. Mercer can be a good scorer off the bench, Miller allows
Jermaine O'Neal to play his more natural power forward position and starting
Artest instead of Rose really gives the defense a boost. Artest is a very
good player who has been underappreciated with the Bulls. I think he'll
really be a star in Indiana. He's tough, plays hard all of the time, loves
to play defense and is a solid offensive player, as well.Milwaukee, WI : Why don't the Bucks trade Sam Cassel? He is a
big cry baby!

David DuPree: They've thought about it, but who do you think is better
who the Bucks could get? Van Exel. Remember, when you think you have a chance
to win the NBA title, it's very risky to change point guards this late in
the game. Sam is Sam.hong kong : You'll probably get a lot of these, but I have to
ask: Have the powers-that-be in Chicago lost their minds? Or am I crazy
and this isn't the most one-side trade in years?

David DuPree: I think this is one of those trades that really helps
both teams. The Bulls had to get a real star and they think they did that
in Rose. They had to make a move and if their young kids develop, Jamal
Crawford comes back from his injury and they can draft Yao Ming, maybe,
then they are back in business.Detroit Michigan : Why Magette? Detroit needs a center or a small
forward. They could try trading for Odom or Marc Jackson before going after
another shooter.

David DuPree: Magette is of interest because of his athletic ability
and the fact that he can get his own shot. I'd stay away from Marc Jackson
and the Clippers aren't about to let Odom go.New York, NY : Now that Mercer and Artest are with Indy, who will
start and who will come off the bench and how do you see their production
alongside Miller and O'Neal (I have Artest on my Fantasy squad)?

David DuPree: I really like Artest a lot. He'll start with Mercer
coming off the bench. Reggie Miller will get more shots now than he did
when he was playing alongside Rose. O'Neal will thrive at power forward
with Miller playing center.Camp Lejeune NC : Big Dave, Kudos on your PTI spot last week. You're
a busy man. A couple where are they now questions? Ed O'Bannon, Yinka
Dare, Ronnie Fields, and the multiple three point shootout champ Craig Hodges?

David DuPree: I donm't know off hand, but I'll check and have it
for you next week.Jacksonville, NC : Who are your picks for All-NBA First team? and
how much did Juan Dixon's draft prospects go up after the terps big
win over Duke this past weekend?

David DuPree: I think Dixon is perhaps a late lottery pick, definitely
a first round pick. He can play either guard spot and I think the pros are
looking at him as a Chauncey Billups, Antonio Daniels type. With the right
team, he will be a good one. My all-NBA first team by position--Center:
Shaq; power forward: Duncan; Small forward: Garnett; Shooting guard: Kobe;
Point guard: Gary Payton. Please don't hate me for skipping over Webber,
Jordan, Kidd and Iverson.Washington, DC : Will Indian get it together and make the playoffs
now?

David DuPree: Absolutely. I think they will get all the way to the
No. 4 seed and get the homecourt in the first round.Drosteville, IA : What'd you have for breakfast this morning,
and is Brevin Knight turning into the Griz's starting PG?

David DuPree: Brevein Knight should be the starting point guard.
He's earned it and his teammates respond to him. I had two hard boiled egg
whites, a banana and a glass of grapefruit juice and a handful of sunflower
seeds for breakfast. Thanks for asking.Oshkosh, WI : Since the Pacers already have Jamal Tinsley, I think
the trade with Chicago worked out in their favor. Now Jermaine O'Neal
can play his original position (PF) with Brad Miller at Center.

David DuPree: We think alike.CHICAGO,ILLINOIS : CAN MICHAEL JORDAN CONTINUE WITH HIS GREAT COMEBACK
ACT. HE HAS BEEN TERRIFIC WITH THE YOUNG PLAYERS HE HAS AS A SUPPORTING
CAST. MICHAEL LOOK AS IF HE PLAYS SMARTER THEN EVER.GOOD LUCK JORDAN AND
THANKS DUPREE FOR RESPONSING. SHYTOWN JOE.

David DuPree: MJ is amazing. It's only a question if his body can
hold up. He, along with coach DOug Collins is teaching the young players
what it takes to have a winning attitude. He is the best leader I have ever
seen. He never blames anyone else and always steps up to take the heat,
win or lose. For a player of that caliber to willingly take a backseat,
teaching role says a lot about him.Michigan : Now that trading seems to have started any chance the
Pistons will make a move?memphis has 2 good point guards and owes the Pistons
a pick what are the chances of swapping some players and picks?

David DuPree: The Pistons are one of the hottest teams in the league
and Brevin Knight would fit into their plans, I'm sure. Working out a deal
is another question. IF they can get another scorer, there's no telling
how far they can go in the East.Peoria AZ : Hi David - what is your opinion of Frank Johnson as the
Suns new coach - I always enjoyed him as a player and think he will be a
good head coach, but are the Suns the right team for him?

David DuPree: I think Frank has paid his dues and will be a fine
NBA head coach. I'm not so sure this is the right team for him, though.
It's a bad mix of players. Their locker room isn't the happiest in the league
and they have obvious on court problems, too. If ownership is patient and
makes the moves necessary to make it fun again to be a Sun, Fank will do
well. If not...Key West,Florida : Will the Lakers do anything before the deadline
as far as their frontcourt goes,because Samiki Walker sucks.

David DuPree: They are always looking to improve and would love to
have someone like Charles Oakley, but I doubt if there is anyone else out
there that is better than Walker who they could acquire. Don't let this
three game losing streak scare you. The Lakers are still the best team in
the league.CHICAGO,IIINIOIS : WE HAVE JUST MADE A SILLY TRADE WITH PACERS GIVING
UP YOUR BEST DEFENCE PLAYER. CAN IT BE THAT OWNER DOESN,T CARE.

David DuPree: I know the owner cares. The Bulls just had to get a
big-name star and Jalen Rose was the best they could do. Don't be surprised
if he scores 30 a game for them.Hanover MD : David, I think the cliche 'he'll teach them
how to win" is overated when talking about a player past his prime.
The cliche has been used for Magic on his last comeback, Byron Scott when
he was with the Pacers, and many other players, including Jordan this year.
The fact is those first two players did not get their teams to the championship
or really improve them at all. Jordan has improved the Wizards more because
he's playing and he just still better than 90% of the players in the
league. If the player's skills have eroded- see Patrick Ewing- the fact
that they player won in his prime does not really affect the team. Your
opinion?

David DuPree: You certainly make an intelligent argument that I agree
with -- partly. Magic didn't have the patience to deal with the younger
players.I never looked at Byron Scott as a player who could teach his teammates
how to win. Jordan is different. The fact that he can still do it certainly
helps, Just look at that team and you can see that they play a lot harder
than they did last year. They're learning how to rebound from losses and
how to build on wins. Patrick was never a player who really instilled confidence
in his teammates. He was solid and reliable and a warrior and all of that,
but he wasn't a vocal leader. That just wasn't his personality. He just
did his job and went about his business.Phoenix, Arizona : If you are the Phoenix Suns, do you go in the
tank and get a good lottery pick, or try to make a deal for a marginal big
man such as Jackson and squeak into the playoffs? I say go the Greg Popovich
route and put Marbury on the injured list and ship him off to the golf course.
What do you think?

David DuPree: Wow, you're harsh. I would not make any deal for a
marginal big man and try to squeak into the playoffs. I'd bit the bullet,
see what I could get for Marbury, either now or in the offseason and start
rebuilding. Who on that team would you consider untouchable?Catfish, Spartanburg,SC : David, What players would you be the most
& least surprised to be moved before the deadline? Rose to the Bulls
so far no doubt!!

David DuPree: I'd be very surprised if Karl Malone were traded and
not surprised at all if Nick Van Exel is.Warner Robins Georgia : Why haven't Golden State given Marc Jackson
good minutes, wouldn't that have made their team better.

David DuPree: They simply do not get along. He doesn't want to be
there and acts like it and talks like it and isn't in the greatest of shape.
They have to get rid of him. A lot of teams are interested, too.Taipei,Taiwan : Despite your confidence in the Lakers, they do appear
to be in trouble. Lacking energy was evident in frequent ‘coming from behind’
games. In encounters with the Wizards and the Sonics, they prevailed. But
things went sour with lowly Atlanta. Then the Celtics, who overcame a 16-
point deficit in the Staple Center, blessed them with the 3rd consecutive
loss. To the disappointment of fans such as myself, the long awaited wake
up call has yet to materialize. By remaining unmotivated, they will find
time to be unmerciful. To rely on history to repeat April last year is arrogant
and unwise. Oh, they will make the playoffs all right; but home court advantage
certainly is questionable. Then again, as often as they have lost at home,
especially to half a dozen bottom ranked teams, this much-coveted luxury
(at least sought after by Sacramento, Dallas, et al) may be irrelevant.
Your thoughts?

David DuPree: You make a convincing argument, but remember, they
are only 1/2 game away from having the second best record in the league.
Now, if they are still struggling like this by the middle of next month,
I'd be concerned if I was you, but it's too early to panic.Montclair, NJ : David, nice job on PTI last week. I believe Ron Artest
will be an extremely valuable to Indiana's chances of making a playoff
run. However do you think Indiana now lacks the backcourt experience with
Rose and Best gone - leaving Tinsley alone at the point?

David DuPree: They did take a big chance trading Best, but they are
so much better defensively now and are a lot tougher. As long as Tinsley
stays healthy, they aren't that concerned about any backcourt inexperience.Mark (Boston, MA) : Is it just me, or has C-Webb softened up his
game and become a jump shooter?

David DuPree: When wasn't he a jump shooter?albany, ny : Hey David, Any rumors involving Christian Laettner or
the other Wizards? I've heard White and Haywood are untouchable...any
news???

David DuPree: Laettner is the most logical if the right deal is there,
but it looks like it won't be.Philly/PA : I heard this trade may happen Lamar Odom, and mcginnis
for Snow and Harpring what do you think of that trade?

David DuPree: I hadn't heard that, but if the 76ers could pull it
off, they should do it yesterday. They need offense and Odom would give
them that and would also give them a much needed ball handler up front.
They could even run some of their offense through him. I have no idea why
the Clippers would make that deal, though.Brooklyn, NY : Will the Clippers Really trade Maggette? Or any player
for that matter? All their players are VERY talented and underpaid since
they are still in their initial contracts. Why would they make a trade which
could never benefit them?

David DuPree: I agree with you. If I was the Clippers I wouldn't
do a thing except try to re-sign my guys and build with them.New Carrollton, Md. : David, Philly out of the East? Come on.. I
have to disagree with you. I know Iverson and Mutombo will carry the team
to some degree but several key players were lost during the off season.
What about Milwaukee being a possibility? Indiana looks okay on paper but
you have an impatient Isiah Thomas and likewise in Ron Artest. Will it work?
The Wizards will win their share by disapline.

David DuPree: I agree with everything you say about the Pacers, Bucks
and Wizards, but the 76ers still have the best team as long as Iverson and
Mutomboare healthy. Sorry. Why didn't you mention the Nets?Vernon, CT : Hi David, I read you every week, and respect your take
on the league. My question is this: Now that Avery Johnson and Brevin Knight
have shown they can handle the point-guard duties for their teams, have
they won the jobs? Van Exel is on his way out, and JWill has already worn
out his welcome. Thanks for your insight. Zarkster

David DuPree: They haven't won the jobs yet, but they make it very
easy for their respective tems to move Van Exel and JWill if the right deal
is there.Natick , Ma : Should the Celts go after Van Exel ? Is he really a
cancer that will kill the team ? He does seem selfish at times.

David DuPree: I know such a deal has been talked about it. Personally
I wouldn't do it. Walker and Pierce need the shots and if you bring in a
pointguard who wants to score, that might disrupt things. I think Kenny
Anderson has done very well adjusting to being a true playmaker and only
looking for his shots when he has to.Brewtown, WI : David- I'm a huge Bucks fan... What do you think
are the causes of our current funk? Can we turn it around in time for the
playoffs?

David DuPree: Every team goes through a funk at one time or another.
The injuries to Big Dog, Ray Allen and Cassell causdded problems, but I
still think they can turn things around. I certainly wouldn't trade any
of the Big Three. I also think George Karl is handling things fairly well.
The trouble with the Bucks is that they're a jump shooting team and when
the shots are falling they can beat anybody, but when they aren't...Boston, MA : What do you think of the rumored trade between the Celtics
and the Nuggets? I read that Van Exel and Chaney could be dealt for Anderson,
Johnson, and Brown. Who would benefit more from this and is it likely to
happen?

David DuPree: I wouldn't make the deal. I don't want a point guard
who feels he has to score when I have Walker and Pierce to do that.Memphis TN : What ever happen to the great six man of the NBA? The
Vinnie Johnson, Bobby Jones, Eddie Johnson, Junior Bridgeman, there are
only two or three teams in the league that have instant offensive of the
bench.

David DuPree: The way the game is going, teams want that big scorer
in the starting lineup. The best of the sixth men now look like Quentin
Richardson of the Clippers, Rodney Rogers of the Suns or Aaron McKie of
the 76ers. I also like energy guys like Hedo Turkoglu of the Kings and Eduardo
Najaera of the Mavericks.Minneapolis, Minnesota : Dave, I feel defense is the key to winning
for the wolves. The wolves play a zone at times and almost always get called
for an illegal defense. Are there teams in the NBA that use the zone to
their advantage? In the ganes I have seen the wolves give up at least 3
points because of the technical foul associated with illegal defense. Also,
What's this 3-second defenive rule. Thanks, Steve. P.S. why weren't
the wolves listed in your article today about looking for a point guard?

David DuPree: The Timberwolves play the best zone in the league because
it allows them to play that big front line. I think they need a point guard
to replace Brandon, but they can't afford to give up too much to get one.
Billups will be fine, but I do think he is much more effective when he can
be the third guard. Their 3-second defensive rule means that no defender
can be in the lane for more than 3 seconds unless he is closely guarding
someone. That is the only defensive guideline there is now. Everything else
is legal.Venice, CA : David - What's your take on Chris Webber's meltdown
last week regarding the press' invasion of his alleged relationship
with Tyra Banks? I think all sides have an argument here (freedom of press
vs. right of privacy), but Webber could have responded without his profanity-ridden
tirade. On a related note, hasn't Tyra learned that athletes and celebrities
aren't compatible with her? Do the names Seal and John Singleton ring
a bell?

David DuPree: Obviously you know what you're talking about. I was
a bit surprised at Webber's tirade. If you don't want people in your business,
just say "No comment"and go on your way. What did he expect. She is one
of the most recognizeable models in the world and he is an all-star NBA
player. It comes with the territory. Look at how Michael Jordan got all
of his business aired in the tabloids. I think it's ridiculous. We in the
media often think the public's right to know means we should invade every
privacy we can. I think that philosophy stinks, but that's the business.Salt Lake City, UT : what do you think of a Karl Malone/Bryon Russell
for Juwan Howard/Michael Finley trade?

David DuPree: If I was Dallas I'd do it without hesitation. If that
came off, Sacramento and the Lakers would get a little nervous.Paul, Fairfax : David, with the cap room the Wizards should have
next year, who do you see them going after in free agency?

David DuPree: The trouble is that there aren't very many big name
free agents up next year. As Travis Best, Oakley, Bryon Russell and Rodney
Rogers. Pretty slim pickings, huh?New York, Ny : Do you think the Hornets are going to make some noise
in the Eastern Conf.

David DuPree: NoHouston, Texas : David, It appears that the SIXERS need help if they
want to make the playoffs or possibly back to the finals, why aren't
they actively involved in trade talks? Also, do you think change needs to
be made with the coach or the GM? As a SIXER fan, it's hard to see other
teams get better while we still count on Iverson for everything. who's
the blame? Thanks-STRICK

David DuPree: I think the 76ers will be fine even if they don't make
a move. If they stay healthy and guys like Claxton, McKey, Coleman and Harpring
can get used to playing with each other, nobody in the East can beat them.Haida Gwaii : Steve Nash is easily having his best season. Where
would you rank him amongst the NBA's best point guards? I have him behind
Kidd and Payton, but after that I don't see anyone more important to
their team. I'm just looking at the point not the shooting guard.

David DuPree: I think you're right.Arlington, VA : Is it just me or were the three players that just
got traded part of the worst teams ever WITH Elton Brand? You're now
saying that this group is going to make the Pacers the #4 team in the East?
Is O'Neal that much better than Brand? Are Miller and Tinsley THAT good?
I'd say no, lottery time for the Pacers. Who can create their own shot
now?

David DuPree: Slow down there. We're not talking about Brand and
O'Neal. What I'm saying is that they are a better team with Artest, Mercer
and Brad Miller than they were with Rose and Best. The defense is better
and they are more versatile and explosive offensively.Howell Mi : If you were Joe Dumars Who do you go after?

David DuPree: Lamar Odom and Nick Van Exel.Avon Park, FL : Who deserves more credit for the Pistons' improvement
Rick Carlisle or his players? Has a new coach really made that much difference?

David DuPree: It always starts with the coach. He's the one who has
to get them to play together. I think the best sign of how well Carlisle
has done is looking at how fast the team started. Theniut hit a long bad
spell, but he kept them together and now they are playing as well as any
team in the East. He proved that he can coach in the hard times as well
as the good times. Players see that and it translates into confidence in
their coach. You can't downplay the contributions of Wallace and Stackhouse,
though. Stackhouse has really changed his game to become more of a team
player and even though his average has fallen, I think he has to be considered
as one of the most improved players in the league. And Wallace -- every
team in the league wants him. He's the glue.Comment from David DuPree: Thanks for joining
me and I look forward to doing it again next week. Until then, I hope your
favorite team wins more than it loses. DuPree